Common Pet Illnesses

TENDER PAWS OF DOGS AND CATS

Small animals such as dogs, cats and rabbits can often struggle with tender paws. Many times this can lead to infection and the paw can be painful to walk on.

An echinacea tea can be given to help prevent infection and Calendula ointment can aid the healing process.

ARTHRITIS AND BODY ACHES

Pets struggling with arthritis will have inflamed joints. It is quite common in elderly dogs. There are several forms of arthritis but the most common form is osteoarthritis. It is a degenerative joint disease and is caused by years of wear and tear.

Garlic or Fenugreek can be used to ease joint pain. Capsaicin ointment can be applied to the inflamed joints.

BEHAVIOURAL MODIFICATION

It is quite common for pets to endure drastic mood swings. They can be particularly aggressive, other times irritable and then extremely fearful. Reasons for aggression may be:

• Fear
• Dominance
• To protect food or object possessiveness
• Territorial behavior
• Protective behavior

Many animals have developed intense fears, most are from loud noises like firecrackers and thunderstorms.

For irritability and fearfulness Chamomile tea may be given. For hyperactivity a Valarian tea may be administered.

PERIODONTAL DISEASE

Periodontal disease is an infection that affects the teeth and their roots. This can result in the loss of teeth. One of the first signs are bad breath and inflamed gums. Regularly brush your pet’s teeth to avoid this disease. Brushes have been made specifically for this use.

Echinacea tea swabs can be used to prevent infection and Goldenseal flushes could also be beneficial.

DIARRHOEA

Pets often have an upset tummy because they have eaten rubbish or rotten food. Alternatively they contract an intestinal virus. Another reason may be a change in their diet.

Slippery Elm bark infusions can be used orally and placing the animal on a boiled chicken breast and boiled rice for 24-48 hours. This may help to soothe the intestine, ensuring the animal has access to plenty of fresh water.

EAR DISORDERS

If an animals ears become very itchy it can be due to ear mites.

It is important to keep your pets ears clean, even plain wet wipes may be used for this purpose. Do NOT use ear buds as you could cause injury. A warm Calendula and Yellow Dock infusion can be uses to flush the ears.

SKIN DISORDERS

Pets, especially dogs and cats suffer from a number of different skin problems.  Skin is the barrier to protect the body from:

• Infection
• Corrosive substances
• Ultraviolet light
• Dehydration

Common skin diseases are:

• Hot spots – these happen when an animal tries to relieve itself from a pain or itch.
• Atopy – this is a very itchy skin disease, the result of allergies to particles found in the air.
• Hypodermis – infections resulting in the formation of pus.
• External parasites – mites, fleas and ticks.

Due to the tannic acid in herbal tea, they act as an astringent.  Aloe, chamomile or calendula ointments can also be used.

COLDS

It is common for a cat or dog to contract a cold.

Cats commonly suffer viral ‘colds’ or bacterial ‘colds’ due to bordetella bacteria.

The most common ‘cold’ that dogs suffer is a combination of bordetella and a ‘flu’ virus.

Echinacea tea is good for pet colds. A natural cough syrup of Horehound and mullein would be beneficial.

DRY FUR

Dry fur often occurs in winter.

This can be relieved by a Sage infused oil (NOT essential oil) rubbed into the fur. Make sure you pet is getting enough supplements of essential vitamins to improve the coats condition.

FLEAS

Fleas love animals as their warm fur provide their ideal living conditions.

It is best to thoroughly clean and vacuum the places where you pet regularly sits and sleeps. This helps to remove the fleas eggs, larvae and pupae. Cover your pets bedding with mint and lavender to discourage fleas.

It is not advisable to use essential oils whether diluted or not on dogs or cats, due to the risk of toxicity.